Fireworks license required for Illinois shows

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is reminding organizations sponsoring fireworks shows to make sure their vendors have the right licenses and certificates.

The Illinois Explosives Act requires those who purchase and use fireworks to have an explosives license and explosives storage certificate from the department. The law mandates that those who use fireworks be properly trained. A violation of the law is a felony with a possibility of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

The National Fire Protection Association in its most recent report says fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 fires in 2011. U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,600 people a year for fireworks-related injuries.

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